Garment backpack

ABSTRACT

A garment apparatus adapted and configured to have the functionality of a backpack that includes at least one pocket fixedly attached to each of an anterior portion and a posterior portion. The at least one pocket on the posterior portion covers a surface area of the posterior portion in an amount of about one percent up to fifty percent of the surface area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/785,501, filed on Jun. 5, 2007 which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. PCT Application No. PCT/US2005/043987,filed on Dec. 6, 2005, which claimed the benefit of U.S. applicationSer. No. 11/005,526, filed on Dec. 6, 2004, each of which isincorporated herein by express reference thereto in its entirety for allpurposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to backpacks, including, but not limitedto, backpacks used to carry books, school supplies, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Backpacks are known and commonly used. Typical backpacks, however, aresupported upon a user through use of shoulder straps and belts. Thisresults in back strain and muscle fatigue.

Also typical to currently available backpacks is an arrangement wherebyitems carried within a backpack are generally carried posterior to theuser, making for a large bulge extending posteriorly from the user.Backpacks, as their generic name implies, allow respective users tocarry items on their backs, and do not allow for distribution of weightand cargo toward a user's anterior side. This results in uneven weightdistribution and uncomfortable portage of items within a backpack.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a garment apparatus for use as abackpack. A preferred embodiment of the garment apparatus includes ananterior portion that has an interior side and an exterior side, asurface area, and being divided into a right half and a left half, eachhalf having a top edge, a medical edge, a bottom edge, and a distaledge. The anterior portion also includes a releasable fastener toreleasably fasten the medial edges of the right and left halves, and atleast one pocket fixedly attached thereto. In an alternative embodiment,the right and left halves of the anterior portion are made of theunitary construction having an interior side, an exterior side, asurface area, a top edge having a left side and a right side, a bottomedge, at least two side edges, and at least one pocket fixedly attachedthereto, the garment apparatus being worn by pulling it over the head.

The garment apparatus also includes a posterior portion that has aninterior side, an exterior side, a surface area, a right edge, a leftedge, a top edge having a right and left side, and a bottom edge. Theposterior portion includes at least one pocket fixedly attached theretothat covers about 1 percent up to 50 percent of the surface area of theposterior portion, and which is disposed predominantly adjacent an upperhalf of the posterior portion. In one preferred embodiment, theposterior portion includes a second pocket fixedly attached thereto thatcovers about 1 percent up to 50 percent of the surface area of theposterior portion, and which is disposed predominantly adjacent a lowerhalf of the posterior portion.

The anterior and posterior portions are joined such that the top edge ofthe right half of the anterior portion is joined to the right side ofthe top edge of the posterior portion from a part of the right edge ofthe posterior portion to the right side of a collar, and the top edge ofthe left half of the anterior portion is joined to the left side of thetop edge of the posterior portion from a part of the left edge of theposterior portion to the left side of the collar, such that an openingor aperture is surrounded by the collar.

Preferably, the garment apparatus further includes at least oneresilient section, the resilient section having an anterior edge and aposterior edge. The anterior edge is preferably releasably or fixedlyjoined to the anterior portion and the posterior edge is preferablyreleasably or fixedly joined to the posterior portion, with theresilient section comprising a flexible and resilient material.

In one embodiment, the anterior portion includes three to four pocketsat least one of which is sized and dimensioned to receive and retain acell phone. Additionally, at least one of the pockets is sized anddimensioned to receive and retain a camera or CD or DVD player.Preferably, at least one of the pockets includes an internal port thatdefines a passage from the interior of the pocket through to theinterior surface of the garment.

Preferably, the garment apparatus further includes a second releasablefastener that is configured and adapted to releasably fasten the leftedge of the posterior portion to the distal edge of the left half of theanterior portion, and the second releasable fastener is also preferablyconfigured and adapted to releasably fasten the right edge of theposterior portion to the distal edge of the right half of the anteriorportion, or both. The second releasable fastener preferably includes atleast one of a snap, button, zipper, hook and loop fastener, adjustablebelt portion, or tie.

The garment apparatus preferably further includes at least one shoulderpad attached to the interior side of the anterior and posterior portionsproximal to the joined top edges of the posterior and anterior portions,at least one cushioning material in at least one pocket, at least oneinterior lining associated with the apparatus, or a combination thereof.Also, the garment apparatus preferably further includes a releasablefastener to releasably fasten at least one of the pockets to help retainor transport items residing therein. More preferably, the releasablefastener comprises at least one of a zipper, snap, button, clip, hookand loop fastener, tie, and drawstring.

In one embodiment, the first pocket that is fixedly attached to theposterior portion is located substantially proximal to the top edge ofthe posterior portion. In another embodiment, a second pocket is fixedlyattached to the posterior portion predominantly in the lower halfthereof, the second pocket is located substantially proximal to thebottom edge of the posterior portion. In another embodiment, one of thepockets fixedly attached to the anterior portion is a cell phone pocketconfigured and dimensioned so as to substantially conform to a cellphone when disposed therein. Preferably, the total pocket volumeavailable on the anterior portion is sufficient to counterbalance thetotal pocket volume available on the posterior portion.

Another preferred embodiment of the garment apparatus includes ananterior portion having an interior side and an exterior side, a surfacearea, a top edge having a right side and a left side, a bottom edge, andat least two side edges and at least one pocket fixedly attachedthereto, and a posterior portion having an interior side, an exteriorside, a surface area, a right edge, a left edge, a top edge having aright and left side, and a bottom edge, and having at least one pocketfixedly attached thereto. The anterior and posterior portions areassociated such that the right and left sides of the top edge of theanterior portion is connected adjacent the right and left sides of thetop edge of the posterior portion to leave an opening therebetween. Theat least one pocket includes an internal port that provides a closeableopening from an inside portion of the pocket to the interior side of thegarment apparatus.

In one embodiment, the pocket fixedly attached to the posterior portionis adapted and configured to define a pouch opening or slot passage forreleaseably holding at least one item therein or placing at least oneitem therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the pouch opening isconfigured for storing at least one item between the pocket and theposterior portion. In yet another preferred embodiment, the pocket isattached to the posterior portion along two sides so as to leave atleast a portion of each of the remaining two sides open to define theslot passage between the pocket and the posterior portion for placingone or more items therethrough.

In yet another embodiment, the garment apparatus further includes anelectronic control unit disposed on, or integrally associated within,the exterior surface of the garment apparatus. In a preferredembodiment, the electronic control unit is configured and adapted to beoperatively associated with a hardwired and/or wireless electronicdevice contained within one of the pockets of the garment apparatus. Ina further embodiment, the garment apparatus may further include apersonal hydration system that includes a container fixedly orreleasably attached to the garment apparatus or a portion thereof, or apocket for releasably holding a container, which container is associatedwith a dispensing member and which is adapted to hold a beverageconsumable by the wearer. In yet a further embodiment, the garmentapparatus further includes a fastening device configured and adapted toremoveably fasten the pockets to the garment apparatus.

The present invention thus discloses a novel apparatus that addressesmany of the deficiencies of traditional backpacks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the invention can be ascertained fromthe following detailed description that is provided in connection withthe drawing(s) described below:

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus from ananterior view;

FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus from alateral view; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus from aposterior view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A more ergonomic backpack has now been discovered in that the pocketsare distributed more closely over the center of gravity of a wearer, oruser, compared to a traditional backpack by being disposed on a garmentapparatus. This advantageously permits a forward shift of weightcompared to a conventional backpack. In a preferred embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-3, the apparatus 10 includes a garment that includes an anteriorportion 20 and a posterior portion 30. Referring initially to FIG. 1,the anterior portion 20 has an interior side or surface (not shown) andan exterior side or surface 22 having a surface area. The anteriorportion 20 is divided into a right half 24 and a left half 26, each halfhaving, respectively, a top edge 34,34′, a medial edge 36,36′, a distaledge 38, 38′, and a bottom edge 27,27′. As used herein, the terms“right” and “left” are used with references to the right and left sidesof the user's body while wearing the garment apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 3, the posterior portion 30 has an interior side orsurface (not shown), an exterior side or surface 31 having a surfacearea, a right edge 32, a left edge 33, a top edge having a right side 35and a left side 35′, a bottom edge 28, and a collar 15 having a rightside 16 and a left side 17.

The anterior portion 20 and the posterior portion 30 are joined suchthat the top edge 34 of the right half 24 of the anterior portion 20 isjoined, preferably fixedly, along a part of the right side of top edge35 of the posterior portion 30, preferably substantially or entirelyfrom the right edge 32 of the posterior portion 30 to the right side 16of the collar 15. The anterior portion 20 and the posterior portion 30are also joined, preferably fixedly, such that the top edge 34′ of theleft half 26 of the anterior portion 20 is joined along a part of theleft side of the top edge 35′ of the posterior portion 30, preferablysubstantially or entirely from the left edge 33 of the posterior portion30 to the left side 17 of the collar 15.

The respective right and left top attachment areas of the anteriorportion 20 and the posterior portion 30 define right and left shoulderportions 11,12 that are preferably configured to rest on the shouldersof the user when the apparatus is worn. In one embodiment, the right andleft shoulder portions 11,12 include additional padding preferably sewntherein. Preferably, the padding is attached to the interior surface ofboth the anterior portion 20 and posterior portion 30 proximal to wherethe top edges 35,35′ of the posterior portion 30 are joined to the topedges 34,34′ of an anterior portion 20. In this position, the paddingcan be located over a user's shoulder to help cushion any load impartedthereon by the weight of cargo within any pockets on the garmentapparatus. Additional cushioning material can also be disposed adjacentor around any or all of the pockets disposed on the anterior orposterior portions. Additional cushioning material can disposed within aportion of any or all of the pockets, e.g., lining the interior of apocket. The portion can be a part or the entire pocket(s), to helpprotect and cushion the contents contained therein. In otherembodiments, an impact-deflecting material having sufficient area andthickness of cushioning, padding, or protective material, including butnot limited to, one or more foams, memory foams, plastics, or anycombination thereof, can be disposed within the anterior and/orposterior portion of the garment to increase user protection, forexample, when operating a motorcycle or riding a bicycle or skateboard.In this embodiment, the impact-deflecting material will preferablydecrease or eliminate injury to any covered portion of a wearer's torso.The cushioning material could also or alternatively be an insulatingmaterial to minimize or prevent the transfer of heat, electricity, ormoisture away from or into a pocket. Any suitable material with thedesired characteristics can be included or used alone or in combinationwith any other suitable material for the cushioning material or theinterior lining of the apparatus.

In another embodiment, the garment apparatus can include an interiorlining, preferably made of a compatible or a similar material as thecushioning material, even though it can provide less of a cushioningeffect than the cushioning material simply by, e.g., being a thinnerlayer or a material with fewer layers. The interior lining is preferablyremovably attachable to one or more interior surfaces of the garmentapparatus. Such a lining can advantageously provide one or more of thefollowing: added warmth to the user, wicking moisture away from theuser, or protecting the user from any sharp or jutting edges of thecontents contained in the pockets, or any combination of these benefits.For example, the interior lining can be attached via a plurality ofbuttons or other fastener(s) spaced strategically throughout theinterior of the garment apparatus, such as one at each sleeve, at leastone fastener at the collar, and at least one fastener disposed on thelower half preferably substantially proximal toward the lower edge ofthe apparatus.

The anterior portion 20 and the posterior portion 30 are also typicallyjoined such that the distal edge 38 of the right side 24 of the anteriorportion 20 is joined or otherwise attached to a part of the right edge32 of the posterior portion. Similarly, the distal edge 38′ of the leftside 26 of the anterior portion 20 is joined or otherwise attached to apart of the left side 33 of the posterior portion 30. In one embodiment,these parts can be joined by one or more side attachments, which jointhe anterior and posterior portions laterally. Preferably, each sideattachment is affixed, preferably by stitching or other permanentjoining material, to provide lateral support to the user when wearingthe garment apparatus. The side attachment can be a separate portion ofmaterial from the anterior and posterior portions, or simply a zonewhere the posterior and anterior portions are joined permanently.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, the side attachment 60 can be simplya releasably engageable fastener that is, for example, a zipper; one ormore buttons, clips, or snaps; a hook and loop portion; tie; drawstring;or similar releasable fastening mechanism. In one embodiment, the rightand left side attachments are both present and include adjustableexpansion fasteners, such as adjustable two-way zippers, that allow theuser to control the degree of side attachment, and thus readily tailorthe size of the apparatus to the user's build. For example, a zipper canbe adjusted such that the side attachment is complete, substantiallycomplete, partially complete, or unfastened, thus advantageouslyallowing the apparatus to be worn over bulkier clothes or a larger userif needed. These fasteners also provide a way for a user to create asnug fit that can be beneficial to both comfort and ergonomicaldistribution of the weight of cargo within the apparatus.

The anterior portion 20 preferably includes a medial releasablefastening mechanism 40 to releasably fasten the medial edge 36 of theright half 24 to the medial edge 36′ of the left half 26. The fasteningmechanism can include those noted above, and may be the same ordifferent. Preferably, the releasable fastener 40 is an adjustablezipper, e.g., two-way and with a fabric zipper pull, as shown in FIG. 1.In an alternative embodiment, the right and left halves of the anteriorportion are made of a unitary construction such that the garmentapparatus can be easily pulled over the user's torso rather thanfastening the right and left halves. In such an embodiment, noreleasable fastener is included on the apparatus to fasten the twointegral halves.

The anterior portion 20 preferably includes at least one pocket fixedlyattached to the anterior surface 22. In one embodiment, the pockets arereleasably attachable to the exterior surface 22 by a fasteningmechanism, such as a zipper, clips, or snaps. Preferably, the anteriorportion 20 includes at least one large pocket that covers at least about10% to 40% of the exterior surface 22 of the anterior portion 20, andmore preferably covers at least about 20% to 35% of the exterior surface22. The large pocket is preferably disposed at the lower portion of theanterior portion 20, and includes a top releasable fastener of the typesdescribed above, which may be the same or different, to provide easy andconvenient access by the user to the contents therein. The large pocketcan have any shape such as rounded, square, rectangular, or asymmetric.Preferably, the large pocket is configured and dimensioned to containrelatively large and bulky items, such as a CD player or stack of CDs,or a camera. The large pocket is also preferably made of a material thatis sufficient to protect the contents therein from damage due toexternal forces, for example, scratching of CDs or damage to a CDplayer. Preferably, one pocket is included on the left half and one onthe right half, each being predominantly on a lower half of the anteriorportion. These can each be symmetrical or asymmetrical, and can bemirror images of each other if desired to help balance the weight in asymmetrical fashion regardless of the shape of the pockets. In anotherpreferred embodiment, the anterior portion includes these two pockets,as well as a cell phone pocket described herein, and more preferably,the posterior portion includes at least two pockets and preferably atleast three where at least one is disposed predominantly in the upperhalf of the posterior portion and preferably substantially adjacent tothe top edge of the posterior portion.

In one embodiment, the large pocket includes an internal port (orchannel) that defines a passage from the interior of the large pocketthrough to the interior surface of the anterior portion 20. The internalport is preferably reversibly closeable so that it can be closed whennot in use, such as by one of the fasteners described herein. Theinternal port can be adapted and configured to automatically close whenit is not being kept open, e.g., from forces being applied to keep itopen such as fingers or a wire disposed therethrough. Advantageously,the internal port allows an earphone cord to be threaded therethroughsuch that the ear phone cord can be connected at one end to a device,such as a CD player, contained in the large pocket while substantiallythe rest of the cord is disposed between the user's body and theinterior surface of the anterior portion 20. The opposite end of thecord can exit the interior of the apparatus 10 at an exit port near thecollar 15 for placement adjacent the user's ears, or can exit at anotherinternal port. The use of an exit port allows the user to safely wearthe earphones while the CD player is contained within the large pocket,thus preventing or substantially reducing the possibility ofentanglement of the earphone cord on external objects contacting thewearer. A second internal port can be used to connect the wire(s) to oneor more speakers disposed in another pocket, for example, a mesh pocket,through which music can be played. Thus, generally, one or more internalports can be used or an internal port and an exit port may be used.

In addition to the optional but preferred internal port that runs fromthe large pocket through to the interior of the anterior portion, andthe exit port near the collar, the garment can also include a channelthat houses the cord or other wire therein to prevent them from beingtangled or visible. The channel can be, for example, a groove or slot,or a tube that preferably substantially or entirely surrounds any corddisposed therein. For example, the channel may be a flexible plasticmaterial into which a cord can be pressed so that the cord then residesentirely within the channel except at each end of the tube (i.e., aninternal port or the exit port) where the cord exits the tube.Preferably, the channel is disposed along the interior surface of theanterior portion from the internal port to the exit port. In otherembodiments, the channel can be disposed along the exterior surface ofthe anterior portion, for example adjacent the front zipper of thegarment, with one end of the channel connected to or adjacent theexterior of the large pocket and the other end of the channel adjacentthe collar. In this embodiment, the channel, either by itself or inassociation with other features of the garment, is preferably adaptedand configured to completely surround the cord. The channel can also bereleaseably attachable to the surface of the anterior portion along thelength of one side of the channel, for example using one or more of thefastening mechanisms described above. This can advantageously permit thecord to be easily placed and housed within the channel rather thanhaving to feed the cord through one end of the channel up or down untilthe cord exits at the other end.

The garment also preferably includes an electronic control unit disposedon, or integrally associated within, the exterior surface of thegarment. Preferably, the electronic control unit is positioned in aplace that is conveniently located for the user to operate it, such ason the upper part of the exterior surface of the anterior portion 20.The electronic control unit (not shown) is configured and adapted to beassociated with a hardwired and/or wireless electronic device that maybe contained within one of the pockets of the garment. For example, theelectronic control unit may be used to control the power, volume, orselection options of an iPod®, cellular phone, or navigation unit.Advantageously, such a control unit allows the user to easily access andcontrol the device remotely, or at least without removing the devicefrom the pocket in which it is contained. Any suitable frequency orother communication mechanism may be used to communicate between thecontrol panel and the desired electronic device, e.g., Bluetooth®technology. Where the electronic control unit is configured for hardwireassociation with the device, the control unit preferably includes one ormore leads that extend from the control unit to one or more pockets ofthe garment where a compatible device can be stored. More preferably,the leads are disposed within the material of the anterior and/orposterior portions of the garment, or are otherwise fixedly attached toa surface of the garment, preferably an interior surface, for exampleusing a channel to prevent the leads from being tangled or visible. Inone exemplary embodiment, a speaker and microphone combination, e.g., aBluetooth®-enabled cell phone headset can be detachably joined orintegrally formed into an area adjacent the collar of the garment.

In one preferred embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10includes two asymmetrically configured large pockets 50,50′ disposed,respectively, from about 0.25 to 2 inches from the bottom edges 27,27′of the right and left sides 24,26. Each of the large pockets 50,50′preferably has a maximum height of about 7 inches near the medial sideand a minimum height of about 4 inches, preferably about 5.5 inches,near the distal side. Each pocket also has a width of about 4 to 7inches, and a depth from the exterior surface 22 of about 1 to 2.5inches, preferably 1.25 inches to 2 inches. Each of the large pockets50,50′ includes a top zipper 58 with a fabric zipper pull for securingitems therein.

Also as depicted in this preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the anteriorportion 20 also preferably includes two side hand pockets disposed atthe lower portion of the anterior portion 20 such that the user cancomfortably insert the user's hands therein while the user's arms are ina relaxed position. Preferably, each of the side hand pockets is linedwith a water-resistant or water-proof material, for example nylon, tohelp the user retain warmth to the hands inserted therein. The side handpockets also preferably include a releasable fastener as describedherein, which may be the same or different, to secure contents disposedtherein other than hands. In a preferred embodiment, the side pocketsare disposed substantially at the position of each large pocket, betweenthe large pocket and the interior surface of the anterior portion 20.

The anterior portion 20 preferably includes at least one small pocketthat covers from about 1% to 10% of the exterior surface 22 of theanterior portion 20. Preferably, the small pocket is disposed at theupper portion of the anterior portion 20, near the shoulder portions11,12, and includes a top or side releasable fastener of the typesdescribed herein, although it may be the same or different, to provideeasy access by the user to the contents therein. The small pocket canhave any shape such as rounded, square, rectangular, or asymmetric, andis preferably configured and dimensioned to contain one or morerelatively small items, such as keys, coins, mini-DV tapes, flash sticksor cards, or edibles, e.g., gum, candy, etc.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the garment apparatus 10includes a small pocket 54 disposed on the right side 24 of the anteriorportion 20 between about 2 to about 3 inches from the top edge 34. Thesmall pocket 54 has an asymmetric configuration, preferably having amaximum height of about 5.5 inches near the medial side and a minimumheight of about 2.5 inches near the distal side. The small pocket 54also has a width of about 1.5 inches to 4 inches, preferably about 2inches to 3.5 inches, and a depth from the exterior surface 22 of about1 inches to 2.5 inches, preferably from about 1.25 inches to 2 inches.The small pocket 54 includes a top zipper 59 with a fabric zipper pullfor securing items therein.

The anterior portion 20 also preferably includes a cell phone pocketthat is sufficiently dimensioned to fit standard cell phone sizes,optionally with their own case. The cell phone pocket in one embodimentpreferably covers about 1 to 8%, preferably about 2 to 6%, of theexterior surface 22 of the anterior portion 20. Preferably, the cellphone pocket is made of a flexible material, and is configured anddimensioned to provide a substantially snug fit for containing cellphones of various sizes therein. The cell phone pocket is alsopreferably disposed at the upper portion of the anterior portion 20 suchthat the cell phone contained therein is relatively close the user'shead to allow the user to easily hear ring tones, and to minimize theneed to remove it to answer. An upper cell phone pocket also permits useof shorter cords for any wired earpiece or microphone the user mightlike to include compared to a traditional pocket down by the waist, atthe lower edge of the anterior portion. Additionally, the cell phonepocket preferably includes a top or side releasable fastener asdescribed herein. While the cell phone pocket fastener may be any of thefasteners described herein, preferably it is one or more snaps, or ahook and loop portion, to provide rapid and frequent access by the userto the cell phone therein.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 includes acell phone pocket 53 disposed on the left side 26 of the anteriorportion 20 between about 2 to about 3 inches from the top edge 34′. Thecell phone pocket 53 includes a hook and loop-secured strap 52 that canbe pulled over the top of a cell phone to secure the cell phone withinthe cell phone pocket 53. The cell phone pocket depicted preferably hasa maximum height of about 4.5 inches, a maximum width of about 2.5inches, and a maximum depth of about 1 inch. In one embodiment (notshown), pockets can be made separately available and dimensionedspecifically to fit particular models of cell phone to permit eachwearer to customize the garment apparatus to their model cell phone.

The anterior portion 20 can also include a variety of attachmentportions disposed on the exterior surface 22 of the anterior portion 20.Such attachment portions can include releasable or non-releasable rings,hooks, straps, loop snaps, or the like to provide rapid access to itemssuch as keys or gloves. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, theapparatus 10 includes a fabric snap-secured strap 51 disposed on theupper right side 24 of the anterior portion 20, the strap being about0.5 inches to 2 inches in length.

The anterior portion 20 also preferably includes at least one interiorpocket, and preferably two with one on the right and left sides,disposed in the interior surface of the anterior portion 20. Suchinterior pocket(s) are preferably configured and dimensioned forcontaining small items such as a wallet or identification cards, andprovide a relatively safer location for these items. Optionally, butpreferably, the interior pockets include a top releasable fastener ofthe types described herein to further secure items and minimize theft.

The posterior portion 30 includes at least one pocket fixedly attachedto the exterior surface 31. In one embodiment, the pockets arereleasably attachable to the surface 31 by a fastening mechanism, suchas a zipper. The posterior portion 30 includes at least one upper backpocket that is predominantly disposed on an upper half thereof, andpreferably entirely in the upper half of the posterior portion 30. In apreferred embodiment, the upper back pocket is proximate the shoulderportions 11,12. Preferably, at least one lower back pocket is alsodisposed predominantly, and preferably entirely, on the lower half ofthe posterior portion 30. Preferably, the at least one lower back pocketis proximate the bottom edge 28. Multiple top and bottom pockets arepreferably staggered with respect to each other, with one being closerto the top or bottom, respectively, than others of the same type. Eachof the upper and lower back pockets cover at least about 1% up to 50%,preferably 5% to about 45%, and more preferably 10% to about 40%, of theexterior surface 31 of the posterior portion 30. For example, an upperback pocket can be about 25% to 40% and a lower pocket can be about 15%to 30% of the posterior portion. Preferably, the back pockets include atop releasable fastener of the types described herein. The upper andlower back pockets can be sized and dimensioned to advantageouslydistribute the total pocket volume of the posterior portion amongmultiple pockets to minimize or prevent overfilling any one pocket.

Preferably, the upper and lower back pockets have a snug fit such thatthe contents of each pocket are supported close to the user's body andretained within the pocket to prevent substantial shifting of theweight, thus reducing the carrying strain on the user or overturning ofobjects that may necessitate transport in a specific direction, e.g., aliquid containing vessel that needs to be carried upright. Preferably,the pockets are made of a resilient material that retains its shape andreturns to its shape if modified temporarily to hold cargo therein. Theback pockets also preferably include an adjustable fastening mechanismto further aid in securing the contents in the pocket snugly, andpreferably to keep portions of the pocket closer to and further from thewearer in contact with the cargo in the pocket. This fastening mechanismpreferably retains the cargo substantially proximal, or close, to theuser's body as defined by the inner portion of the pocket adjacent thegarment apparatus. In one embodiment, for example, the adjustablefastening mechanism includes at least one hook and loop fastener withone end secured to a portion of the outer surface of the pocket and theother end secured to a portion of the outer surface of the posteriormember such that the outer surface of the pocket can be pulled andsecured close to the posterior member. Various other readily achievedconfigurations can be implemented by those of ordinary skill in the artin view of the disclosure herein.

The upper and lower back pockets are preferably configured anddimensioned to contain larger items therein, such as files, folders,books, pamphlets, water bottles, and the like. The back pockets can alsoeach include dividers and additional compartments therein to help storeor retrieve items within the back pockets in a convenient and organizedmanner. In another embodiment, one or more back pockets on the posteriorportion can be made of a mesh or elastic material, and may be arrangedto have a drawstring fastening mechanism for securing items placedtherein. For example, such a pocket would be better adapted andconfigured to carry shaped or 3-dimensional items such as balls orequipment since the pocket material could conform to the shape of theitems that can be disposed in the pocket. Preferably, such a pocketcould also be removeably detachable from the posterior portion of thegarment, or be able to hang therefrom.

Additionally, the total pocket volume available on the anterior portion20 is preferably sufficient to counterbalance the total pocket volumeavailable on the posterior portion 30 to provide added comfort to theuser while wearing the apparatus. For example, pocket volumes that arewithin about 20 volume percent of each other, preferably within about 10volume percent of each other, and more preferably within about 5 volumepercent are sufficiently counterbalanced. Of course, counterbalancing isnot required and will in part depend on the density of cargo a userplaces in the pockets.

In one embodiment, at least one of the back pockets (on the posteriorportion), preferably the lower back pocket, can include an internal port(or channel) that defines a passage from the interior of the back pocketthrough to the interior surface of the posterior portion. The internalport is preferably reversibly closeable so that it can be closed fromeither side when not in use, such as by one of the fasteners describedherein or a lensing mechanism on the aperture. Advantageously, theinternal port allows the user to easily access the contents stored inthe back pocket by simply reaching behind to the interior surface of thegarment and accessing the pocket contents from the interior surface ofthe garment rather than from the outside releasable fastener or opening.

The internal port can be an opening that is as wide as the outeraperture that can be disposed on the outer surface of each pocket. Inone embodiment, an internal port on at least one pocket can simply bewide enough to permit 1 to 3, preferably 1 to 2, cords or wires to passtherethrough to connect cargo with an item outside the pocket that is inclose association with the user of the garment apparatus. For example, aCD player or iPod® could be disposed in the pocket, and a wire or pairof headphone wires can pass from the contained device through theinternal port to the inside of the garment apparatus (or in betweeninternal layers thereof) and then up to the wearer's ears for enjoymentwithout dangling wire(s) to be tangled except between, e.g., the collarof the apparatus and the ears, which is likely to be a few inches atmost. Also, a cord can be tied or affixed to an anchor within thepocket, such as cushioning material therein or a cargo item that islarger than the internal port. This cord can pass through the internalport and be connected to, e.g., a valuable piece of jewelry, a hat, or apair of eyeglasses, to help ensure or even prevent it from accidentallyor intentionally being lost or stolen.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus 10 includestwo upper back pockets 55,65 and two lower back pockets 66,67. The twoupper back pockets 55,65 include a large pocket 55 and a small pocket65, with the small pocket 65 disposed on the outer surface of the largepocket 55. The large pocket 55 has a maximum height of about 10 inchesand a maximum depth of about 4 inches, and the small pocket 65 has amaximum height of about 8 inches and a maximum depth of about 2.5inches. The maximum widths of the large and small pockets 55,65 are bothabout 12 inches. Preferably, the top of the large pocket 55 is disposedwithin about 2 inches, preferably from about 0.1 inches to 1 inch, fromthe shoulder portions 11,12, and the top of the small pocket 65 isdisposed within about 2 inches, preferably from about 0.1 inches to 1inch, from the top of the large pocket 55. The position of the upperback pockets 55,65 on the posterior portion 30 advantageously allows theuser to more readily and rapidly access the contents of the pockets overthe user's shoulder. Both upper back pockets 55,65 include a top zipperwith a fabric zipper pull for securing items therein.

The two lower back pockets 66,67 include a large pocket 66 and a smallpocket 67, with the small pocket 67 disposed on the outer surface of thelarge pocket 66. The large pocket 66 has a maximum height of about 10inches and a maximum depth of about 4 inches, and the small pocket 67has a maximum height of about 8.5 inches and a maximum depth of about1.5 inches. The maximum widths of the large and small pockets 66,67 areboth about 14 inches. Preferably, the bottom of the large pocket 66 isdisposed about 1 inch from the bottom edge 28 of the posterior portion30, and the top of the small pocket 67 is disposed about 4 inches fromthe top of the large pocket 66. The small pocket 67 includes a topzipper with a fabric zipper pull for securing items therein. Anexemplary upper pocket may be about 6 inches to 8 inches by 10 inches,while an exemplary lower pocket is about 8 inches to 9 inches by about12 inches to 16 inches.

The large pocket 66 as shown includes a biased top opening and anoptional but preferable flap cover 64 that extends from and covers thetop of the large pocket 66. The flap cover 64 also covers the top of thesmall pocket 67, and is secured to the surface of the small pocket 67by, e.g., a releasable buckle mechanism 63 or other suitable fastenerdescribed herein (not shown). Preferably, the female portion of thebuckle mechanism 63 is fixedly attached to the center surface of thesmall pocket 67, and the male portion of the buckle mechanism 63 isfixedly attached to the center of the lower edge of the cover flap 64.In another embodiment, the cover flap can include multiple bucklemechanisms for securing the cover flap over both the large pocket andthe small pocket. Additionally, the large pocket can also include a topzipper or drawstring to provide added security to the items therein.

In another preferred embodiment, some or all of the upper and lower backpockets can be configured to define a slot passage or pouch opening forsecurely holding items therein or placing items therethrough that aretoo large to fit in a pocket. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the upper back pocket 55 can be attached to the posteriorportion 30 along only three sides (e.g., top, left, and bottom) leavingthe fourth side (right) open and thus defining a pouch opening forstoring items in the area between the pocket 55 and the posteriorportion 30. Fastening mechanisms, such as those previously described,can be used to close the opening to secure the contents therein. Thepockets may instead be replaced by such slot passage or pouch opening,as well.

In other embodiments, the upper back pocket 55 can be attached to theposterior portion 30 along only two sides (e.g., top and bottom) leavingboth sides open to define a slot passage therethrough. Advantageously,the slot passage allows any oversize item(s) such as skateboards,fishing poles, tennis rackets, and bats, which are typically too long tobe contained in one of the pockets, to be placed through one end of theslot passage and out the other end, thus allowing the user to carrythese items securely and preferably releasably on the garment. The slotpassage may also include fastening mechanisms, such as draw stings ortie downs, to more snugly secure the items within the slot. Although theslot passage and pouch opening pocket configuration have only beendescribed herein with respect to the upper back pocket 55, those ofordinary skill in the art can readily determine which configurations canbe adapted for use with other pockets on the posterior portion 30according to the invention described herein.

In another embodiment, the garment can include a personal hydrationsystem. For example, the system can include a container, or a pocket forholding a container, that is associated with a dispensing member, suchas a flexible tube or hose. In a preferred embodiment, the personalhydration system includes a bottle or other sealable container that isremoveably, yet securely, held in a pocket on the posterior portion 30.The pocket is preferably made of an elastic, mesh material. The bottleis configured for sealably containing a liquid therein, such as water oran energy drink, and includes a tube that is adapted and configured toextend to an area on the anterior portion 20 adjacent the user's mouth.For example, the tube can extend along the side of the garment and upthe exterior surface of the anterior portion 20, or it can extend up theexterior surface of the posterior portion 30 and over either of theshoulder portions. Preferably, the tube is maintained adjacent to, oralong the surface of, the garment as it extends from the bottle to theanterior side. More preferably, the garment includes sufficientfasteners, loops, snaps, or the like to maintain the tube adjacent toand/or along and in contact with the surface.

In another preferred embodiment, the container of the personal hydrationsystem can be a pocket on the posterior portion 30, the pocketconfigured for sealably containing a liquid therein. The system alsoincludes a tube that is sealably connected to the pocket, and the tubeis preferably configured to extend to an area on the anterior portion 20adjacent the user's mouth. Preferably, the tube extends along theexterior surface of the garment, as previously described, but the tubecan also connect to the interior side of the pocket and extend along theinterior surface of the garment toward the area adjacent the user'smouth.

The preferred embodiments previously described are for exemplarypurposes only, and those of ordinary skill in the art can readilydetermine other suitable configurations where the anterior portion 20and posterior portion 30 can include on their surfaces any additionalcombination of pockets with suitable locations, dimensions, andfastening portions described herein, based on the guidance of thedescription herein. For example, but not intended to limit theinvention, the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 depicts three pockets thatdecrease in size in a direction from the medial edge to the distal edgeof the anterior portion, however, any or all of these pockets can havethe same height or decrease in size in the opposite direction ifdesired. Also, any or all of the additional pockets on the anterior orposterior portions (in addition to the one each on the anterior andposterior portions) can be releasably detachable by the fastenersdescribed herein for removal if not necessary to carry additional cargowithin the garment apparatus. The pockets described herein can alsoinclude smaller pockets within the pockets of the anterior and posteriorportions, the smaller pockets preferably configured and dimensioned forsecurely storing smaller-sized gadgets and items rather than having suchitems loosely contained within the larger pockets. Such smaller pocketscan also have one or more exit ports as described above.

The garment apparatus can be constructed in different sizes to fitdifferent users, e.g., small, medium, large, and extra-large men, womenor children, and the pockets (aside from, e.g., the cell phone pocket)can be commensurately larger or smaller depending on the available spaceon the apparatus. Further, the apparatus is preferably made of awater-resistant or water-proof, light-weight fabric to minimize orprevent overheating of the user while wearing the apparatus. Preferably,the apparatus comprises a synthetic polymer, more preferably a nylon orneoprene containing material. In other embodiments, the apparatus caninclude water-resistant or water-proof materials of heavier weight orthickness to help the user retain additional warmth for colder climateusage. The apparatus can also include removable sleeves and hood for usein colder conditions, although a hood is not as preferred because whenpresent but not worn it would tend to block the anterior upperpocket(s). Portions of the apparatus, for example, one or more of thecollar, shoulder portions, side portions, and cell phone pocket or otherpocket(s), can be made of a mesh material to increase ventilation forthe user or the pocket contents, however, this precludeswater-resistance or water-proofing at that location. In otherembodiments, the apparatus, or portions thereof, is preferably made of afire-resistant or fire-proof material, either light-weight orheavy-weight, that prevents or substantially reduces burning of the userwhile wearing the apparatus upon exposure to flames or extreme heat.Preferably, the apparatus is made of a material that is bothwater-resistant or water-proof, and fire-resistant or fire-proof, or ismade of multiple layers of material, each material having one of theseproperties.

In some embodiments, the exterior pockets are made of a mesh material,such that the contents within the pockets are at least partially visiblefrom the exterior through the mesh material. Preferably, the meshmaterial is flexible. In alternative embodiments, the exterior of thepockets can be made of a material that is preferably rigid and clear,opaque, or translucent to also provide a “see-through” characteristic tothe pockets. For example, the exterior of the pockets can be made of asubstantially clear plastic material.

Additionally, some portions of the apparatus can include resilientsections that are made of flexible and resilient material, for examplenylon and materials with similar elastic characteristics. Preferably,there are one or two resilient sections to join the anterior andposterior portions on the left or right sides, or both. The resilientsection can include an anterior edge and a posterior edge, the anterioredge being joined to the anterior portion and the posterior edge beingjoined to the posterior portion. In some embodiments, the resilientsections are located proximate the side attachments and/or shoulderportions. In other embodiments, substantially the entire apparatusincludes resilient sections. Resilient sections comprising resilientmaterial preferably provide a snug fit when worn by the user. “Snug fit”can advantageously ergonomically distribute weight or cargo retained inthe pockets of the garment apparatus, and the term is intended to referto the garment apparatus conforming to the body of a user, typicallywhere there is some tension on a portion of the resilient section(s) asthis is expected to stretch in any necessary locations to facilitateconformation of the garment apparatus to the user.

The garment apparatus can also include reflective material disposed inone or more locations about the external surfaces of the anterior andposterior portions. In one embodiment, the entire garment is made of areflective material. In other embodiments, the garment includesreflective material disposed on a portion of the trim, on one or morefastening mechanisms, or on one or more patches disposed on select areasof the garment's surfaces, for example, patch 70 disposed on theposterior surface of the garment as shown in FIG. 3. Such reflectivematerials are preferably arranged and configured so as to increase thevisibility of the wearer and the garment apparatus.

The term “about,” as used herein, should generally be understood torefer to both the corresponding number and a range of numbers. Moreover,all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include each wholeinteger within the range.

While illustrative embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, itwill be appreciated that numerous modifications and other embodimentscan be devised by those of ordinary skill in the art. Features of theembodiments described herein can be combined, separated, interchanged,and/or rearranged to generate other embodiments. Therefore, it will beunderstood that the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications and embodiments that come within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

1. A backpack garment for carrying useable items distributed about thetorso, comprising: a vest having a back side, and a front side, thefront side being divided generally into a separate left half portion anda separate right half portion so as to permit a wearer to don the vestand subsequently remove the vest, the left and right halves each havinga front edge and a side edge and the left and right halves beingjoinable together at their respective front edges by a fastener, theback and front sides each comprising a top and a bottom, the back sidebeing joined respectively to each of the front left and right sides attheir respective tops; the vest further comprising left and right sidearm openings; the garment further comprising at least one pocket whereinthe at least one pocket comprises an internal port that provides acloseable opening from an inside portion of the pocket to the interiorside of the garment.
 2. The garment of claim 1 wherein the internal portis configured to remain closed when not in use.
 3. The garment of claim1 wherein the internal port is configured to automatically close when auser ceases using the internal port.
 4. The backpack garment of claim 1,further comprising at least one shoulder pad attached to the interiorside of the top of the garment, at least one cushioning material in atleast one pocket or between a pocket and the interior of the vest, atleast one interior lining associated with the garment, or a combinationthereof.
 5. The backpack garment of claim 1, further comprising areleasable fastener to releasably fasten at least one of the pockets oran internal port for providing a passage from the inside of a pocket tothe inside of the garment, or both.
 6. The backpack garment of claim 4,wherein the releasable fastener comprises at least one of a zipper,snap, button, clip, hook and loop fastener, tie, and drawstring.
 7. Thebackpack garment of claim 1, further comprising an electronic controlunit disposed on, or integrally associated within, an exterior surfaceof the garment.
 8. The backpack garment of claim 7, wherein theelectronic control unit is configured and adapted to be operativelyassociated with a hardwired and/or wireless electronic device containedwithin one of the pockets of the garment.
 9. The backpack garment ofclaim 1, further comprising a personal hydration system which comprisesa container fixedly or releasably attached to the garment or a portionthereof, or a pocket for releasably holding a container, which containeris associated with a dispensing member and which is adapted to hold aconsumable beverage.
 10. The backpack garment of claim 1, furthercomprising a fastening device configured and adapted to removably fastenthe pockets to the garment.